"When something is accessible, it means that a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use. The person with a disability must be able to obtain the information as fully, equally and independently as a person without a disability."
Accessibility is often overlooked in content creation for social media. Here are three easy steps to adopt to ensure your social media posts are easier for people requiring accessibility supports.

#1 - Hashtagging #UseCamelCase
Camel Case uses a capital letter at the front of each word (including 'the's, ands, buts) when using hashtags. The reason it helps is the capital letter signals to a screen reader when one word stops and a new word begins. (Usually this would be accomplished by using spaces.) Here's the difference:
See the difference? Imagine hearing it.
#2 - Use Emojis Sparingly
Consider limiting emojis in your hashtags and social media content. Screen readers read each emoji which can sidetrack those trying to understand the meaning of your message. Effective emoji use helps enrich understanding and sets the tone versus causing distraction or even annoyance due to receptiveness or overuse.
This is definitely a case of KISS - Keep it Simple Scooby.
#3 - Use Alt Text
Alt text (alternate text) is used to describe an image when the image can't be seen. This feature is available on websites and many social media platforms and helps people who are visually impaired to understand what those who have vision are seeing. (It also acts as a means to describe an image if it isn't available.)
When adding alt text, the description will add another dimension to the description, instead of merely parroting the caption or other text accompanying the image.
Here's some tips (as of 2021) on how to add alt text to your social media feeds:
Instagram:
Tap on the Advanced Settings option on this upload screen.
Then tap on the Write Alt Textsection to access the screen to add your text.
The next screen, you see the image you're tagging and a text box where you can write your alt text description
Facebook:
Click Photo/Video at the bottom of the Create Post screen.
Select the photo you want to add.
Click Edit Photo (paintbrush icon), then click Alt Text.
The automatically generated text will be shown on the left side of your photo. ...
Write your Alt-Text in the box. ...
To save your alt text, click Save in the bottom right.
Twitter:
Click on the Tweet compose button, or press the “n” key to use the keyboard shortcut.
Attach your photo(s). Note: For detailed instructions about adding photos to your Tweets, read this article.
To insert descriptive text, click Add description.
Type your description of the image and click the Done button. To edit the description, re-open the Add description dialog prior to posting the Tweet. (The limit is 1000 characters.)
You can add a description to each image in a Tweet. Note: Image descriptions cannot be added to videos.
Ensuring accessibility for all users should not be a luxury for digital communicators. Since public relations has (essentially) adopted social media function as part of the communications portfolio, the responsibility to role model digital accessibility lies within our hands.
How can I make my social media more accessible?
Use #CamelCase, limit emojis, and enter Alt-text with all your images.
Want more information on ensuring your social media channels are accessible to all digital users? looking for an audit of how accessible your site is? Click Minnow can research your platforms and provide a report outlining ways to improve your company's online accessibility.
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